HAVING completed his task as Chairman of the United
Nations Economic Survey Mission to the Middle East, Gordon R. Clapp,
Chairman of the Board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, has called
on me to discuss the results of his work in the Near East.
The mission, which was composed of experts from a number
of member states of the United Nations, was created upon the recommendation
of the United Nations Palestine Conciliation Commission. Its duties
were to examine the economic situation arising from the recent hostilities
in the Near East and to recommend means for overcoming economic dislocations,
for reintegrating the refugees into the economic life of the area and
for creating economic conditions conducive to the establishment of permanent
peace.
When Mr. Clapp's appointment was announced by the Secretary
General of the United Nations on August 26, I took the occasion to pledge
the full support of this Government to the Economic Survey Mission as
well as to other efforts by the United Nations to settle differences
and achieve peace in the Near East. It seemed clear to me that such
endeavors coincided precisely with our hopes that the governments and
peoples of the Near East might soon be in position to devote the full
measure of their abilities and resources to their economic and social
betterment.
During the past 4 months, Mr. Clapp and his colleagues
have conducted an intensive study of economic conditions in Palestine
and neighboring countries. The recommendations which they have formulated
are incorporated in two United Nations documents, the first an "Interim
Report" submitted on November 18, and the second a final report
which will shortly be released by the United Nations.
In its "Interim Report" the survey mission
considered the tragic plight of some three quarters of a million refugees,
rendered homeless by the Palestine conflict. That these destitute people
are still alive today is credited largely to the efforts of the United
Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees, whose funds will be exhausted
early in January. The Economic Survey Mission has recommended a renewed
relief program including a public works program to provide the refugees
with gainful employment and to permit them to be of greater service
both to themselves and to the lands now giving them asylum.
Mr. Clapp has indicated that the second report of the
Economic Survey Mission will deal with prospects for long-range development
in the Near East. He believes that the potentialities of the region
are great, but that it will be necessary to move slowly and carefully
if the best results are to be achieved.
On December 8, the General Assembly of the United Nations
unanimously passed a resolution based on the Interim Report of the Economic
Survey Mission. It called for a United Nations refugee program terminating
June 30, 1951, and involving the expenditure of $54,900,000, to be provided
by international contribution. The unanimity of the vote was appropriate
testimony to the success of the work done by the Mission as it was also
unmistakable indorsement of the need for international assistance to
the Palestine refugees.
In accord with my previously expressed intention to
give careful consideration to such assistance as we might appropriately
render in carrying out the recommendations of the survey mission, legislation
is now in preparation for presentation to the Congress requesting authorization
for this Government to assume its share in the cost of the program proposed
by the United Nations for the Near East. The success of the program
depends on a large measure of international cooperation, and I feel
certain that other member states of the United Nations will assume their
shares of this burden.
Mr. Clapp and his colleagues on the Economic Survey
Mission have our thanks for the important public service which they
have rendered.